If Iggy Pop is the godfather of punk, then Hedi Slimane must be the fairy godfather of Daft Punk. Ever wondered how it was possible that the French House overlords could pull off robotic bike helmets and tailored suits? Or how David Bowie really did become “The Man Who Fell To Earth?” It’s because Hedi Slimane was dressing them. Without Slimane, a man’s silhouette would still consist of a flared hoof and a nylon finish. He was the designer who cleared up the morning after the 80s made ruffles acceptable on men.

From September 18, the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent in Paris is showcasing stills of his finest subjects – from Amy Winehouse to Lou Reed, Brian Wilson and Keith Richards.  “Sonic” spotlights over 15 years of candid portraiture, a photography style that has has elevated many from “rock” to “icon” status; from troubled fringe talent to global cover star

(Sky Ferreira, we’re talking about you). Saint Laurent Paris’ Creative Director has forever been at the right place at the right time. Slimane was there during The Libertines’ trilby years, Razorlight’s Kirsten Dunst days (the Johnny Borrell song “In the Morning” was written exclusively for Dior Homme’s AW05 show, when the designer was senior there), and it was he who crafted Dior’s fragrance “Higher”, the smell that wafted over London, Paris and New York, from CBGBs to The End. Other highlights include starkly insightful moments with a crystal-eyed, gobstopper-sucking Frances Bean Cobain and Cherry Glazerr, a Runaways-esque threepiece currently soundtracking LA’s nightlife scene.

“Sonic” is a must-visit for inspo-seeking aesthetes, but if you miss it, the stills will be sold in hardback format worldwide from September. Result.

“Sonic” runs from September 18 to January 11 at 5 Avenue Marceau, Paris 75116.

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Since launching his eponymous self titled clothing label in 2009, Simon Preen has collaborated with the likes of Pam Hogg, dressed the likes of Ellie Golding and Jessie J and has been empowering women worldwide. Renowned for his use of symmetry and his innovative designs, Simon’s new Metamorphosis collection modelled by Harriet Verney and shot by Rebecca Thomas sees his signature dark minimal aesthetic come into play.

Featuring high-shine metallic foils fit for a space invader and of course, power mesh, spandex and black matt lycra, the intricate web shapes in the collection engulf the body of the wearer forming a second cosmic driven skin. The hero pieces this time around? ‘The Priestess of Venus’ – a full lycra/mesh body suit creating an optical illusion, manipulating the human form and The ‘Cosmic Shell’, Simon’s favourite piece, an intergalactic fuelled offering, feminine and futuristic, imagined through metallic glitter foils and unconventional shapes.

Here we talk Metamorphosis with the man himself…

So tell us, where did the inspiration for this collection come from?

I never really start with a specific idea in mind of what I want a collection to be, I just start making stuff, straight from my head into patterns. I don’t even sketch for myself, only when i’m forced to do so for commissions. The theme of all of my collections is decided at the end, I think of it like some hippy parent ideal, like giving birth and letting the child’s personality develop before choosing a name for it… I’m not a hippy tho, I’m just taking the piss.

The hippy route seems to work for you. How do you feel these designs empower women?

I like to think more that empowered women wear them, and that my pieces are just that extra bit on top. I definitely try to work really cleverly around the female form, I like to exaggerate things, warp things and change shapes, so I think that’s quite empowering as a feeling too.

Which is your favourite piece in this collection?

The ‘Cosmic Shell’ body, that was ‘the one’ – that was the piece that set the metamorphosis theme  for this collection because it looks like a butterfly, a cosmic butterfly. But i couldn’t use butterfly in the title because it’s a bit too Mariah. I think all my pieces look like creatures, referring to the butterfly not Mariah!

We love Mariah! So who do you want to see wearing these designs?

I think just like, all the coolest and sexiest and trashiest people in the world, and anyone that thinks ‘slut’ is a compliment, I’d be happy with that!

www.simonpreen.com

Credits:

Photography: Rebecca Thomas

Model: Harriet Verney @ Premier

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Based on the eclectic life of an international DJ, stylist and writer Princess Julia, photographer Rebecca Thomas has created a book which gives us an insight into Julia’s world, from Blitz-kid to the icon she is today. The photographs, taken over the last five years, encompass each and every facet of Julia showcasing her unique sense of style, her endearing personality and her ethos on living: “Life is a stage”. In an exclusive video for Wonderland, Harriet Verney talks mixing records with a stilettos heel (something we can now confirm is a truth not a rumour), signature style and non-conformity in fashion with Princess Julia and Rebecca Thomas ahead of tonight’s launch party.

CREDITS

Film: Sharna Osborne

With special thanks to Tramshed, Cock ‘n Bull Gallery and Louise Gray.

The Library at Tramshed is available to hire for private parties.

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